Dachshund Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

What do you need before bringing home a Dachshund puppy?

Last updated October 8, 2026

Before your Dachshund puppy arrives, the most important preparation isn't a toy selection or crate style — it's setting up a spine-safe environment. IVDD affects 19–25% of Dachshunds during their lifetime, and the cumulative damage from jumping off furniture begins from puppyhood. Set up ramps now, before the first jump happens.

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Spine-Safe Setup

• Pet ramp or stairs for couch access
  One option: Feandrea 3-Step Foam Dog Stairs on Amazon. Three-step foam dog stairs with a gentle slope and a washable non-slip cover, for getting onto a bed or sofa without jumping. Set them flush against the furniture so they can't shift, and teach the dog to use them with treats.
• Pet ramp or stairs for bed access (or keep dog off the bed until they're older and trained to use the ramp)
• Car ramp or step if the dog will ride in vehicles
• Non-slip mats on hardwood, tile, and slippery surfaces — Dachshunds slip and strain their backs on slick floors

Essential Gear Checklist

• Small crate (18–22 inch for Miniatures, 24 inch for Standards) with divider
• Dog bed with low sides (easy to get in/out without jumping)
• Stainless steel food and water bowls
  One option: Non-Slip Stainless Steel Bowls, 2 Cup (2-Pack) on Amazon. A two-pack of 2-cup stainless bowls with a non-slip rubber base, sized for small dogs' meals and water.
• Harness (not a collar — avoid neck pressure for a breed prone to spinal issues)
• 4–6 ft leash
  One option: Wild One Adjustable Leash (5.5 ft) + Poop Bag Carrier on Amazon. An adjustable 5.5-foot leash that clips shorter for city walks, with a clip-on poop-bag carrier and a starter roll of bags.
• Grooming tools appropriate to coat type (see grooming guide)
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents (you'll need it — Dachshunds are notoriously hard to housetrain)
  One option: Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Stain & Odor Eliminator (32 oz) on Amazon. An enzyme stain and odor eliminator for urine, feces and vomit, carrying the Carpet and Rug Institute's seal for carpets. Spot-test on delicate fabrics first.
• High-value training treats
  One option: Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Training Treats, Beef (19 oz) on Amazon. Soft, bite-size training treats with real beef as the first ingredient, small enough for rapid repetitions. Keep treats to about 10% of daily calories.
• Durable toys appropriate for a determined chewer

First Week Setup

What should the first week with a Dachshund puppy look like?

First Vet Visit (Within 48–72 Hours)

• Full physical exam
• Spinal health baseline discussion — tell your vet you want to discuss IVDD prevention
• Vaccine schedule verification and continuation
• Parasite prevention (note: if MDR1 testing is warranted for your Dachshund mix/lineage, ask — though true Dachshunds are not a primary MDR1 breed)
  One option: Embark Breed + Health Dog DNA Test on Amazon. Embark's breed and health kit: a cheek swab that reports breed mix and screens over 250 genetic health markers, including MDR1. A genetic result is a conversation starter with your vet, not a diagnosis.
• Dental assessment — small breed dental care should start early
• Microchip if not done by breeder
• Get pet insurance before this appointment if possible — or immediately after

Housetraining: Set Realistic Expectations

Dachshunds are one of the most difficult breeds to housetrain. They were bred to hunt underground and are independent-minded, weather-averse (they hate going outside in rain or cold), and will hold their bladder until they're somewhere warm and comfortable — which may not be outdoors.

What works:

• Extremely consistent schedule — outside after every meal, nap, and play session
• High-value treats immediately (within 2 seconds) upon eliminating outside
• Confine to a small, supervised area — never give a partially trained Dachshund free run of the house
• Bell training (teach them to ring a bell at the door) works very well for many Dachshunds
• Don't punish accidents — just interrupt, take outside, and reward any outdoor elimination

Expect housetraining to take 3–6 months consistently, with some dogs taking longer. Many Dachshund owners use a dog door with a small covered outdoor area to make inclement-weather bathroom trips less of a battle.

IVDD Prevention for Life

Building Spine-Safe Habits From Puppyhood

The Three Rules of Spine-Safe Living

1. No jumping on/off furniture. Every jump adds stress to the discs. Use ramps and train your puppy to use them from day one. This is easier to teach as a puppy than to change as an adult habit.
2. Weight management starting now. Extra weight compresses the discs. Measure food, avoid excessive treats, and get your vet to assess body condition at every annual visit. A fit Dachshund has a visible waist when viewed from above.
3. Supportive carry technique. When picking up a Dachshund, always support both the chest and the hindquarters simultaneously. Never lift by the front legs or let the body hang unsupported — this strains the lumbar spine.

Watch for IVDD Warning Signs

Knowing the symptoms allows early intervention, which dramatically improves outcomes:

• Reluctance to move, climb stairs, or go on walks
• Crying when picked up or when touched along the back
• Shaking or hunched posture
• Loss of coordination, wobbling, or weakness in hind legs
• In severe cases: partial or complete paralysis of the hindquarters

If you observe any of these signs, contact your vet the same day. IVDD treatment outcomes are significantly better when caught early.